Major news amid rumours of iconic Blackpool wedding venue closure
“It might be a Marmite building in appearance but it’s incredibly popular”
Rumours have been causing doubt about the future of Blackpool’s unique seafront wedding chapel at Festival House.
Worried brides-to-be contacted a Blackpool councillor, fearing that their weddings at the distinctive golden angular-shaped building were at risk of being cancelled.
The rumours are thought to have stemmed from the announcement earlier this year that the VisitBlackpool’s Visitor Information Centre had relocated from Festival House to the famous Blackpool Tower complex.
The fears of the worried would-be brides were relayed at Blackpool’s Full Council meeting on Wednesday night by Cllr Anita Cooper, who asked about the future of the venue.
She was told there was no truth to the rumours and that the future of the amenity, often referred to simply as Blackpool Wedding Chapel, was assured.
What councillor said
Anchorsholme member Cllr Cooper said in the meeting: “I have a query regarding the future of Festival House’s use as a registry office.
“Because of its location opposite the Tower and its sea views, bookings are well in advance.
“With the tourism office being moved, its future has become less certain and people have heard that the building is going to become part of the adjoining Beach House and Bistro.
“They were anxious to say the least. It might be a Marmite building in appearance but it’s incredibly popular, from Cornwall to the North East.That’s why I panicked about the rumours.”
Cllr Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment at Blackpool Council reassured her: “There are no plans to stop Festival House at all.
“The tourism information office has moved out and the Beach House might expand at ground floor level but they are the only changes.”
About the Wedding Chapel
Festival House (now widely known as The Wedding Chapel) officially opened its doors to the public in January 2012. The first official ceremony took place shortly after on January 12, 2012.
Located right on the iconic seafront Promenade, the £2.7 million building features spectacular views of both the Irish Sea and the Blackpool Tower.
Originally conceived as a multi-use hub with a tourist information center, the building’s primary focus became its renowned ceremony spaces, leading to an official name change to The Wedding Chapel in June 2014.
By 2022, after 10 years of operating, almost 5,000 couples had tied the knot there and it continues to be popular.